Any Questions for a Current UCLA Student(s)?

<p>^
No, because it’s not possible. I work for Student Affairs here at the Psychology Department and can 100% tell you that they will not allow anyone who hasn’t been admitted into the Psychology transfer in into Psychology. They do this because the major is super impacted and classes are hard enough to get into for majors themselves. So if you’re looking to get into UCLA under an easy major and then switch into Psychology…sorry!</p>

<p>Do any of y’all know whether it would be easier to switch from being a philosophy major to an English major or to double major in phil. and English?</p>

<p>^
Probably neither. As far as I know, English is an impacted major and it would be difficult to switch. Although I do have a friend who switched into English, so it might be possible. I suppose you should contact the English department to see if they are still allowing it, I know that they have recently changed their major requirements for incoming majors so keep that in mind too.</p>

<p>Hey, what do you do in your research? Also, I got an email from a post doc saying that she wants to meet me sometime this summer and potentially work with me on her projects. Should I treat this as an interview or some sort of introduce/tell and show me her research</p>

<p>Hi tiff!! how have u been? haven’t talked to you in a long time. </p>

<p>I just had a few questions concerning orientation.
Im going on Monday, but I wont be able get there at 7:30 am. The earliest I will be there is around 10am-11am. Will I that affect me in any way? Im already really stressed about it. Also, I didnt get a chance to send my pic and information so I could get my bruin card. Do you know if I can still get my bruin card that day?</p>

<p>^
Hello! It doesn’t really matter, all you really do in the morning is get everything, check-in and then go hear someone talk, don’t worry about it.
The picture…it’s actually better that you didn’t send anything in because when you do, they actually have to re-size the picture and sometimes it makes it look weird. So don’t worry about it and yes you can go take it today! The line might be long though. Have a long (fun) day!</p>

<p>To pug101: It depends on the lab really. Definitely treat it as an interview, you never know!</p>

<p>Hi Tiffany!</p>

<p>I remember hearing about classes that require reading before the first day and was wondering how you would be able to find out about said reading. </p>

<p>Thank you :D</p>

<p>RheeL3: With my stats, do you think I can get in as a Psych major? </p>

<p>Basically, I am transferring to a UC after my 3rd year of CC.
My number one choice is UCLA.
I know it is very competitive to get in as a psychology major.
Please let me know how I can become a more competitive applicant!</p>

<p>Stats:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.70-3.73 (depending on 2011 Fall grades)
Major GPA: 3.78 (Got a C in Biology, the rest of the major requirements I received all A’s)
Have taken all the psychology classes (UC TRANS.) offered at my community college which is about 6-7 classes. (Received all A’s)
I have received 2 W’s, Received 4 D’s (Retook all of them and got A’s), A high upward trend from first semester until now 2.0 < 3.4 < 3.6 < 3.8 < 4.0</p>

<p>Extra-Curricular Activities:</p>

<p>Volunteering:
-Local hospital (+200 hours) Since March 2010
-Outdoor education camp (+360 hours) Since May 2009
-Church (+400 hours) Since January 2008</p>

<p>Jobs:
-Work 20-25 hours a week at 2-3 jobs. (Babysitting, Clothing Store, & Fast Food Restaurant) <em>Ever since I was 15 years old, because my dad died and I wanted to become independent and not rely on anyone</em></p>

<p>Rewards:
-Psi Beta Psychology April 2011
-Scholarship from CC Spring 2011</p>

<p>Clubs & Activities:
-Vice President of a club Since Spring 2009
-Psychology Club (Club Member) Since Fall 2009
-Traditional Cultural Dancing (Competitive & Rec.) I’ve been dancing my whole life.</p>

<p>Let me know how I can become a better applicant, if I do in fact have a slight chance of even getting accepted to LA, and any advice you can give me. I would really truly appreciate it! Thanks guys! =]</p>

<p>You need a “beefier” GPA to get into psych at UCLA; maybe in the 3.8s and above. You might still have a chance if you wow them in the personal statements. I’d say you’re a likelier shoe-in for UCSD, perhaps.</p>

<p>Good morning!</p>

<p>To aninstance: When that does occur, the professor usually sends out an announcement and tells you that you are expected to have read the first chapter (or whatever is listed in the syllabus). I think before the first class takes place, the professor will put on the class website the syllabus. So I don’t think you should worry about it unless it is stated beforehand. </p>

<p>To PsychBruin2012: Hello! Like I have said in the beginning of the thread, I don’t chance people! Sorry about that! I do definitely think that you should work on bumping your GPA up. That C in the pre-req might hurt you…pre-reqs are super crucial for the Psychology major. I’ve met transfers whose first choice was Psychology, they had great ECs, volunteer work, etc. but they had one low grade in their pre-reqs and got their second major…it happens. With admissions becoming more and more competitive, I definitely suggest bumping that up! Good luck to you!</p>

<p>Wow you are so incredible answering 40 pages of questions!</p>

<p>My first question is so simple yet I can’t find an answer anywhere haha. I can’t figure out where to pay for my classes for Fall. I signed up for classes a month ago at orientation. My Bruinbill doesn’t have any fees or bills so I am confused.</p>

<p>Secondly, where can I find my class syllabi?</p>

<p>Lastly, what is the best way to go about doing research, and how far in advance do you need to start trying to get in?</p>

<p>^
Hello! Yes it has been a while…this is why August is my last month answering questions! </p>

<p>I’m not sure they let you pay for Fall yet…I think you’ll have to wait until next month. I say this because Summer Session C is still going on, so FA wants to hold off on Fall until next month…don’t worry, you’ll see that bill sooner or later.</p>

<p>You can find your class syllabi in your course website. Obviously, you have to be enrolled in the course. Also, your professor has to upload it. Usually they won’t do so until the end of summer/beginning of Fall. Last year I had a professor email me the day before the class started. Usually they send out an announcement if they posted it. </p>

<p>I kinda already answered that question in my previous replies…but definitely check out the websites I provided, you can even Google: URC CARE and it will come up, go to SRP and then there will be a link that says ‘Research Positions’ check them out! I think definitely you should have SOME experience. Whether that be volunteering somewhere or work experience. Since you won’t have a lot (I’m guessing) you should probably aim towards those positions that are for data entry/administrative tasks and slowly build from there. But it’s great that you’re getting started ASAP so you have more opportunities.</p>

<p>Good luck to you!</p>

<p>Hey Tiff :)</p>

<p>So as the school year is edging closer, I’m starting to think about how to utilize my 2 years the best way possible in order to be in a competitive candidate for grad school and I thought who else to ask but you! (lol) </p>

<p>If you don’t mind me asking, what are you currently doing in your research and how many research positions have you held? What are you looking to go into for grad school and are there any classes that “prep” you for it like prerequisites and what not? I get that getting into grad school for psych at UCLA is very competitive, but do you know if it’s competitive as a whole or are certain areas more competitive than others? For example, since UCLA offers areas in clinical, behavioral neuroscience, social, developmental, etc. do you know if certain specializations are more competitive or just getting into the program alone is tough? And since we’re on the topic of specializations, when you apply, do you apply to the one you want to specifically get into or does everyone apply to the psych ph.d program and you just specialize in your classes? </p>

<p>I hope that’s not too many questions ><" I thought I just get everything I need to ask before you retire the thread haha. Thanks again Tiffany, we all really appreciate your help!</p>

<p>Hey jaynami!</p>

<p>I hope summer is treating you well! In my research, I’m helping my PI write out some of the significant findings we have found with our research thus far. For example, writing and calculating trends that we have found with our participants which include getting data from the questionnaires we give out and the actual “running” we do of the participant. To be honest, most research assistant jobs only are for clerical work–such as, data entry, assisting with making cortisol kits/questionnaires, etc. That’s what you should aim for. I’ve had about three research positions and I’m currently in one internship at the hospital. So, I have one research position on campus and one internship that deals with the same subject, just different PIs. </p>

<p>For graduate school I’m hoping to get into Clinical Psychology. Psychology here at UCLA is very competitive, but those wanting to major in Clinical Psychology…it’s very hard to get in. I suppose Clinical Psychology would be the MOST competitive, but Psychology is a difficult major to get into period. When you apply, you pick which concentration you want to go into since you’re essentially picking out a faculty mentor. </p>

<p>Hope that answers everything, I went home for the weekend (FINALLY, after about a month) so I was away! Let me know if you have any more questions!!!</p>

<p>Hi Tiffany
I saw some job postings for work study and emailed the people I’m suppose too. But I still haven’t heard anything back? I already submitted the Efan.
Thanks.</p>

<p>^
Hello! All I can say is that I’ve been there. I’ve learned that if they don’t contact you within a few days (maybe three) then you should probably keep looking. When I got my job at the Psychology department, they contacted me within a couple of hours. It all depends. Sometimes they’re already in the interview process, sometimes they have already found the person they want to hire, etc. Good luck, it took me a good two months after Fall quarter started to get a job!!!</p>

<p>My question is, if i went to CC 4 years ago and only completed 2 semesters in which i was so irresponsible and W or got bad grades, do you think me coming back to college now and getting all A’s and B’s and great rec letters and clubs and community service all that do you think they would overlook my early and young years of messing up, and give me a chance?? Or do you think i should just transfer to a CalState in stead of like UCLA or UCSB? </p>

<p>Thank you so much,</p>

<p>P.S. and wow your extra cur. are out of control, you go girl!</p>

<p>^
Hello!
If I’ve learned one thing this past year at UCLA is that students are very motivated, we always want to try, what’s the worst that can happen? They’ll say no! I say, go for it or you’ll end up regretting it! </p>

<p>There’s something in the CCs called Academic Renewal (or something of the sort) where you can take those courses again for a re-grade and get those old grades off your GPA. I have heard many people here on CC do it. Also, use your personal statement to illustrate to the reader why your had a low grades, what difficulties you were facing, and then turn to where you are now…improved grades, etc. Letters of Recommendations are not needed for the application process, that’s until graduate school! </p>

<p>So definitely get motivated and start doing well! I have heard many success stories about students coming back to school after some years off, and completely turned their grades around.</p>

<p>Good luck to you and if you still have any questions, let me know!</p>

<p>Take care,
Tiffany.</p>

<p>PS-Yes I know, I have no life, LOL.</p>

<p>Okay. Thanks. Since my work study starts in the fall. Should i keep looking now or wait until school starts? I’m waitlisted for one of my classes. I’m 2/3 for a 35 enrollment. Do you think I have a chance?</p>

<p>Hey Tiffany,</p>

<p>Psych 115 with schein for my first fall quarter. Yes or no? Do you know if he is extremely difficult as they mention on bruinwalk?</p>